The key to looking up-to-date is to build your wardrobe around these fashion staples.

You will need:

• Well-tailored suit
• White button-down shirts
• Polo shirts and tees
• Cashmere V-neck sweater
• Updated ties
• Black leather dress shoes
• Brown loafers Black and brown belts
• 7 kinds of pants
• Sports coat or blazer
• Trench coat
• Wool or cashmere overcoat
• Confidence

Optional:

Tie bar quality pair of men's shoes

Invest in at least one well-tailored, medium-weight, single-breasted suit in black, navy, or gray; splurge on a few if you wear a suit to work. Choose a classic cut that won't go out of style, and have it professionally fitted and no polyester, please!

Keep up with tie trends so your classic suit doesn't look dated. Invest in a seven-fold tie for days when you want to look really sharp, and always have at least one well-made, solid-colored silk tie in the current style. If you wear a metal watch, keep your neckwear in place with a matching tie bar.

Have a pair of black leather lace-up shoes, a pair of brown loafers, and a good leather belt to match each. Belts should be two to three fingers wide. A quality pair of men's shoes can be re-soled several times, making them a good investment.

Follow the rule of seven for pants: blue jeans, gabardine, worsted wool, cavalry twill, flannel, linen, and tweed pants should be in your closet.

Buy a well-made sports coat or blazer; it can be dressed up with pants or dressed down with jeans. Also, invest in a classic trench coat and a wool or black cashmere overcoat for more formal occasions.

Wear your clothes with confidence -- it's your most important accessory.

Did you know The word slacks was coined by the Haggar Corporation clothing company in the 1940s.

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